Robert G. Ballance Jr.

Robert G. Ballance Jr., a wonderful, creative, amazing, brother, uncle, uncle-in-law, and great-uncle, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2011 in Las Vegas. Bob was born on March 13, 1933, in Keene, New Hampshire, to a Marine officer, Robert G. Ballance, and Emily Annis Crawford, both of Illinois. He was raised in Illinois and then later moved to San Diego, California, for some years. He graduated from San Diego State College with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1956, and then he entered the U.S. Navy. Bob, a heartfelt patriot, marched in the Eisenhower Inaugural Parade. He was very proud to serve his country and was in the Navy Active Reserves for over 40 years. He was a U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (CB's) leader and built his unit up to 125 men, who they constructed school play grounds and parks for his Las Vegas community.

Bob moved to Las Vegas in 1975 and loved Las Vegas. He grew with the city, he knew the city. He worked for many years at the Holiday Casino and the Landmark Casino where he was the head of purchasing. Bob was a member of the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA). He won their highest awards, the Peter Gust Ecomomou Award, and this March, the Dinner Gong Award. He had many valued colleagues and friends in the IFSEA. Bob also participated in his community and was the Vegas Drive Home Owners Association President for many years, and was proud to serve his neighbors. Bob is survived by his loving sister, Martha Crawford Ballance Guarin; wonderful nephews, Eric Douglas Guarin (Terry Guerrero), and their daughter Bob's beloved great niece, Emily Marie Guarin, and nephew, Alexander Gregory Guarin. Visitation will be held at Palm Mortuary, 1600 South Jones Blvd on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10am to 11 am, with funeral service to follow. He leaves to cherish his memory many friends and relatives and neighbors. Bob will truly be missed...